Potassium

ARTICLES ABOUT POTASSIUM BY DATE - PAGE 3

Dear Dr. Donohue: I have a painful disease called interstitial cystitis. I would like to know more about it. Whom can I talk to? -- M.N. Dear M.N.: It often takes years before people are correctly diagnosed as having interstitial (IN-tur-STISH-ul) cystitis (sis-TIE-tus). Frequently these people are put on one antibiotic after another in the mistaken belief that they have repeat bladder infections. Symptoms are similar to a bladder infection. People have to run to the bathroom so frequently during the day and night that their lives are disrupted.

Dear Pharmacist: What are the warning signs of too much potassium in a person's system? -- J.S., Hazelwood, Mo. Dear J.S.: Potassium is found in many foods, especially "low-salt" packaged foods and most salt substitutes. Bananas, oranges and leafy green veggies are all rich in this substance. Some researchers think that extra potassium can reduce blood pressure, but tilting the balance of potassium too much is not smart. Potassium regulates muscle activity, including the heart, which is a muscle, too. Potassium maintains proper electrical balance in the body.

Americans eat far too much salt and not enough potassium -- and they don't need a water bottle with them at all times. The Institute of Health says that most people are getting enough water from beverages at meals and snack times, from water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables and from responding to their own thirst. But they're risking hypertension by overdoing the salt -- found largely in fast food, canned and frozen foods and prepared meals, not to mention the shaker on the table -- and skimping on potassium.